Nick Saban Named Finalist for Eddie Robinson Award
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama head coach Nick Saban has been named a finalist for the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award, the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) and Allstate Sugar Bowl announced on Tuesday morning.
Saban is one of 12 finalists for the award, which recognizes the top coach in college football each year. The winner will be announced on Dec. 20.
Two Crimson Tide coaches have won the award in program history — Gene Stallings in 1992 and Saban in 2008.
Saban has Alabama at 12-1 and once again in the College Football Playoff. The Crimson Tide went a perfect 9-0 in conference play, including an SEC championship victory over then-No. 1 Georgia on Saturday in Atlanta.
"I think our coaches did a fantastic job with these players," Saban said. "Fantastic job of helping guys develop and improve. I really appreciate our staff of people who contributed to the success of this team. It's not about me. It's about everybody on the team who contributed to the success of this team — players and coaches alike."
"To speak about our coaching staff, man, they push us every single day," quarterback Jalen Milroe said. "We set short-term and long-term goals before the season started. We have to be coachable, be receptive to all coaches — find ways to improve and get one percent better each and every day. [...] Coach Saban — the biggest thing I want to do is be a sponge for all information because [at the] end of the day, all of our coaches are pushing us to be successful."